Bafana Bafana and Nigeria shared the points after a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
Coach Hugo Broos made four changes coming into this high-profile showdown from the starting line-up that faced the neighbours, Lesotho, on Friday, 5 September 2025.
Following Nyiko Mobbie’s injury against Likuena last week, Zuko Mdunyelwa started in his place, with Thabiso Monyane on the bench. The latter was called up to replace Mobbie. And in the 63rd minute of the match, Monyane replaced Mdunyelwa.
The other player who did not start with the match was Mamelodi Sundowns star Aubrey Modiba, with Samukele Kabini playing ahead of him.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha was on the sidelines, as Bathusi Aubaas was put in his place.
Bafana did a fine job of frustrating the Super Falcons in the opening stages of the first half. With South Africa piling on the pressure, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, scored an unfortunate own goal in the 25th minute.
As the half went on, the game’s dynamic shifted, with Nigeria no longer sitting back and allowing the hosts to dominate. They began to take more control, leading to a more balanced contest.
NIGERIA FIND THE EQUALISER
Nigeria levelled the score through Calvin Bassey in the 44th minute, heading in the ball despite it appearing to touch his hand. With no VAR in the World Cup qualifiers, the controversial goal stood, sending the teams into halftime with the score tied at 1-1.
After the break, Hugo Broos’ men emerged with renewed energy, pushing for a second goal, while Nigeria focused on maintaining a strong defence. Although both sides created several opportunities throughout the second half, neither could find the back of the net.
The draw sees Bafana remain on top of Group C with 17 points, while Nigeria sits in second place with 11 points. Both teams have now played eight matches.
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